Volunqueers

In this episode, we are joined by Cai Thomas, an RPCV who served in Mongolia from 2011 to 2014.While Cai’s role was to teach English, their most enduring legacy was a grassroots partnership with a local disability center. In a region where individuals with disabilities were often overlooked, Cai and a fellow volunteer helped break down barriers by launching awareness trainings and building a bridge between local youth and people living with disabilities, fostering a culture of empathy that changed the lives of everyone involved.Tune in to hear how Cai navigated life in rural Mongolia, the pivotal relationship that supported their own coming-out journey, and how they turned a small community project into a powerful, lasting lesson on visibility, inclusion, and the resilience of the human spirit.------A recording with a transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at ⁠www.lgbtqirpcv.org⁠. If you have questions about our community please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In this episode, we are joined by Katie Waldo, an RPCV who served in Rwanda as a Maternal and Child Health volunteer from 2018 to 2020.Katie arrived with a plan to implement Rwanda's critical 'first 1000 days program,' leveraging her expertise as both a food scientist and a postpartum doula focused on the needs of the mother. But her most important project began when she had to abandon her Peace Corps mandate—building 787 kitchen gardens—to instead figure out what her community truly needed, rebuilding relationships along the way. Tune in to hear how Katie navigated the complexities of project misalignment, the isolating reality of being a queer volunteer in the field, and the dramatic, inside perspective of the evacuation during 2020, relying on the strength of the Peace Corps queer community to get home.------A recording with a transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at ⁠www.lgbtqirpcv.org⁠. If you have questions about our community please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In this episode, we are joined by Lauren, an English Education volunteer whose service in Georgia was anything but "by the book."After a snap decision on a train and a quick "Hey Siri" to find her destination on a map, Lauren arrived as a seasoned LGBTQIA+ advocate—only to find herself back in the closet in a country where the lines of safety were shifting daily.When a landmark police raid on a queer-safe nightclub sparked nationwide protests, Lauren had to navigate a delicate dance: fielding blunt questions from her community while orchestrating a first-of-its-kind task force in Georgia to protect her fellow volunteers.Tune in to hear how she helped turn a summer camp into a thriving international NGO and why Lauren believes the Peace Corps must evolve to protect its queer voices.------A recording with a transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at ⁠www.lgbtqirpcv.org⁠. If you have questions about our community please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In this episode, we are joined by Syd Merz, a double-tour RPCV who served in both Armenia and the Philippines.Syd’s journey began with a thick envelope and a country she couldn’t place on a map, landing in a Soviet-era airport that felt more like a scene from Star Trek than a welcome gate. But one service wasn’t enough. With only a whirlwind 11-day break, Syd swapped the snowy mountains of Armenia for the tropical heat of the Philippines, facing a whole new spectrum of challenges!Tune in to hear how Syd managed two full tours back-to-back and why their advice on bringing your "Best Self" instead of your "Authentic Self" might completely change how you view advocacy abroad.------A recording with a transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at ⁠www.lgbtqirpcv.org⁠. If you have questions about our community please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In this episode, we are joined by Bea, who served as a Youth and Families Development Volunteer in Ecuador.Bea had her bags packed for the remote island nation of Timor-Leste, but a sudden notification in her Peace Corps portal rerouted her. She faced a new set of hurdles: navigating "machismo" culture as a queer woman, fielding blunt questions from students about her gender, and balancing a new romance in uncharted territory.Tune in to hear how she navigated the local chisme (gossip) and why a simple question from a 10-year-old became her most profound moment of advocacy.------A recording with a transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at ⁠www.lgbtqirpcv.org⁠. If you have questions about our community please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In this episode, we are joined by Edward van Luinen, who served as a TEFL Volunteer in the Republic of Guinea.Edward had his life meticulously mapped out: he was going to finish his Master's in French and become a diplomat. But a chance encounter with a recruiter in a dark college library late one night derailed everything.He found himself in West Africa instead, navigating two intense journeys simultaneously: one as a terrified teacher finding his professional voice, and the other as a closeted man silently finding his truth. Tune in to hear how those "parallel tracks" finally converged to shape a 35-year career in leadership...------A recording with a transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at ⁠www.lgbtqirpcv.org⁠. If you have questions about our community please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In this update:Life Update: Why I’ve been away (Med school is no joke!)The New Schedule: We are locking in consistency. New episodes will drop on the 1st of every month, starting December 1st.Call for Guests: We need your stories. Whether you are ready to be public or want to remain anonymous (Jane Doe/John Doe/Doe), your safety is our priority, but your experience is invaluable.📅 Mark Your Calendars:Dec 1: Edward’s story from GuineaJan 1: New Year, New EpisodeFeb 1: Continuing the momentum🎙 Want to be on the show?We’ve made it super easy.Visit lgbtqirpcv.orgScroll down to "LGBTQI+ Service Stories"Click the red bubble: "Be a podcast guest"Or just email me directly at: [email protected] (Subject line: Podcast - [Your Name])Let’s turn this new leaf together. See you on December 1st!

In this episode, we are joined by RPCV Michael Del Rio, who served as an Agriculture Volunteer in Ethiopia.Michael set out to Ethiopia with a passion for the land—but he didn’t know that the soil there would plant the seeds of his life’s work. Tune in to hear how those roots grew into an unexpected mission back home in Massachusetts…------A recording with a transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at ⁠www.lgbtqirpcv.org⁠. If you have questions about our community please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In this episode, we are joined by RPCV Jeremiah Johnson, who served as an Education Volunteer in Ukraine from 2006-2008.Jeremiah joined the Peace Corps to serve in Ukraine—then a routine check derailed everything. Tune in to hear how what happened next reshaped his life—and the program itself…Some fun news clips of Jeremiah becoming an advocate for the next generation. https://www.aclu.org/cases/hiv-advocacy-behalf-peace-corps-volunteerhttps://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/peace-corps-public-health-school-continuing-aids-conversationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEaaWagTuUQhttps://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=6320808&page=1https://www.poz.com/article/Service-interruption-14814-5468Recommended Documentary: How to Survive a Plague - 1h 49 min------A recording with a transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at ⁠www.lgbtqirpcv.org⁠. If you have questions about our community please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In this episode, we are joined by RPCV Ralph Cherry, who served as an Education Volunteer in Ghana in the early 1970s.Ralph shares his compelling journey to the Peace Corps—initially driven by a desire to avoid the Vietnam War draft—and how it evolved into a life-changing experience marked by both profound love and personal struggle. As a gay man serving during a time when his identity had to remain hidden, Ralph opens up about falling in love with one of his students, the emotional toll it took, and the moment he nearly chose to early terminate.What changed everything? Listen to find out! An image of Ralph from his service in Ghana is available in the show notes.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LB7e7chUglJVdOSZvVIg7FNQ4--IkhFG/view?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/13cvfRORuRXi-6Py99P0Bigvo5zZYG823/view?usp=sharing------A recording with a transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at ⁠www.lgbtqirpcv.org⁠. If you have questions about our community please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In this episode we are joined by RPCV Charly Stoever, who served as an Education Volunteer in Nicaragua from 2014–2016—but like many Peace Corps Volunteers, wore many hats along the way.Charly (they/he/papi) is a nonbinary Latinx money coach, speaker, and host of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast. They're helping LGBTQ+/BIPOC/first gens make $30k+ in passive income a year so they can twerk their way to early retirement.A formerly undocumented Mexican American and ex-stock broker, Charly has traveled solo to 38 countries and is now a full-time international pet sitter. During their Peace Corps service, they taught English and helped lead LGBT Safe Zone trainings for Peace Corps staff in Spanish, following the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015.Follow Charly on Instagram @travelercharly, check out their Roth Freak Fridays email series, and explore more at www.unicornmillionaire.com.------A recording with a transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at www.lgbtqirpcv.org. If you have questions about our community please contact us at [email protected] opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

It's Justin's last episode, but the pod lives on!In this special episode we are joined by Nicky and Danny who served as a couple in Ecuador as Education volunteers. During the recording they were technically still PCVs, but by the time you hear this they are back in the states and part of our RPCV community. They share stories from Peace Corps' post-pandemic serice as some of the first people back in Ecuador. We talk negotiating Peace Corps service with a partner, host families and PST drama, and of course cooercing barbers to be your friends.--If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at www.lgbtqirpcv.org. If you have questions about our group please contact us at [email protected] opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated groups.

In this special episode we are joined by Jeffrey Blagg who is an RPCV twice over AND a current RPCV. Apologies for the less than stellar audio quality on this one, but we were working with uncooperative internet connections in Zambia. Its giving meta for a Peace Corps podcast to face internet connection and technology difficulties-- so just lean into the experience today and reminisce about those crappy Skypes back home from your service.This veteran Peace Corps Volunteer recounts stories from their multiple services in multiple countries. We also discuss how Peace Corps supports LGBTQI+ volunteers, having children be your besties, and provide some loving critiques of Peace Corps. Jeffrey is a mod of one of the largest LGBTQI+ group chats for our queer Peace Corps community. If you are interested in joining the conversation for RPCVs and PCVs you can request access here. Current PCVs are invited to join PCV-only space (request access here). Both chats are on Whatsapp. --If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at www.lgbtqirpcv.org. If you have questions about our group please contact us at [email protected] opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated groups.

In this episode, RPCV Westen Thomas recounts his adventures of service Cambodia. We discuss coming out in the early 2000s, nonbinary interpretations of gender, and how Peace Corps can lead you to places you'd never consider otherwise. ---If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at www.lgbtqirpcv.org. If you have questions about our community please contact us at [email protected]. All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In this episode, RPCV Lex Ajello shares how Peace Corps service in Ghana sparked their powerful journey of self-discovery and gender exploration. From experiencing queer culture across borders to navigating COVID-19 evacuations and regional unrest, Lex transformed challenges into resilience and authenticity—finding their true self and their wife along the way.Lex is boldly pursuing a career in advocating for marginalized and queer communities in the face of ongoing legal battles.--If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at www.lgbtqirpcv.org. If you have questions please contact us at [email protected]. All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In this episode we are joined by RPCV Bill Sweigart to learn about what service was like in the early days of Peace Corps. Bill is a fabulous storyteller who mixes his love for service with harrowing tales of life as a closeted gay man in Liberia. We talk about the ideas of secrecy in the 1970s, mustaches, bombshell letters, and Peace Corps' future in this wonderful episode. If you enjoy Bill's stories you can listen to his interview as part of the RPCV Oral History Project here. If you would like to read more of Bill's writing, and support the Friends of Liberia please order their story anthology book "Never the Same Again". ---If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at www.lgbtqirpcv.org. If you have questions about our community please contact us at [email protected]. All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.

In our kickoff episdoe join your host Justin Tabor (RPCV Philippines) for an interview with Nick Denson. They discuss Nick's service in Rwanda, evacuations, failed animal husbandry, and secret condoms!If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at www.lgbtqirpcv.org. If you have any questions about our group please contact us at [email protected] for any questions or queries. All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association, or any other affiliated organizations.